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Overview
California Title 24 Building Standards Code (2022 triennial cycle). Hybrid adoption: statewide base code with local reach codes permitted (stricter only). 12 parts including CRC (Part 2.5), Energy (Part 6), Fire (Part 9 + Ch. 7A WUI), CALGreen (Part 11). CEC administers energy code with 16 climate zones. CSLB licenses contractors. WUI Chapter 7A fire hardening in FHSZ. SDC D/E statewide (seismic). 2025 Title 24 effective Jan 1, 2026.; Updated 2026-03: CRC 2025 (based on IRC 2024) effective Feb 23, 2026
Code Snapshot
Current editions in effect
Code
CALGreen 2022
2022 Edition
Building Code
CBC 2025
2025 Edition
Energy
CEC 2022
2022 Edition
Code
CEC Part 3 2022
2022 Edition
Energy
CEC Part 6 2022
2022 Edition
Code
CEC-E 2022
2022 Edition
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Verified: Mar 2026
Jurisdiction Complexity
California is a MODERATE complexity state
California applies state-level code amendments to ICC base codes, with some variation across local jurisdictions.
SimpleModerateComplex
Wind-Borne Debris
Varies by locality →Key Rules & Requirements
Critical regulations for California restoration work
Permit requirements in California depend on local jurisdiction adoption.
Important: IRC Section R105 establishes when building permits are required. Roof replacement (re-roofing) generally requires a building permit in jurisdictions that enforce the IRC or an equivalent building code. California has a hybrid adoption model. Verify permit requirements with the specific jurisdiction. IRC R105.2 exempts ordinary maintenance (minor repairs, re-attachment of trim), but full roof replacement is NOT exempt from permit requirements.
California requires smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on each story per CRC R314. CO alarms required per CRC R315 and CA Health & Safety Code 17926.1 in all dwellings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garage.
Important: Per California Residential Code (CRC) R314 and California Health & Safety Code 13113.8, smoke alarms are required in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on each story including basements. CRC R315 and Health & Safety Code 17926.1 require CO detectors in all dwelling units with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. California law requires CO detectors in ALL existing dwellings (not just new construction) since July 1, 2011. Alarms must be hardwired with battery backup in new construction.
Per CRC R806.2, enclosed attics require cross-ventilation with minimum 1:150 net free area ratio. California climate zones with high heat exposure require particular attention to ventilation for cooling load reduction.
Important: Per CRC R806.2, enclosed attics and rafter spaces must have cross-ventilation with minimum net free ventilating area of 1/150 of the area ventilated. May reduce to 1/300 with vapor retarder and balanced ventilation. In California inland and desert climate zones (CZ 10-15), high summer temperatures make adequate attic ventilation critical for reducing cooling loads. Coastal climate zones have different moisture and ventilation considerations. Unvented attic assemblies per CRC R806.5 are permitted with specific insulation requirements.
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Code Administration
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Climate Zones
Applicable Codes
Key Codes for Restoration Work
Primary codes for residential restoration projects in California
| Code Type | Current Edition | Effective Date | Base Code | Status | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
California Building Code Commercial & Multi-Family | CBC 2025 | Jan 1, 2026 | IBC 2024 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
California Energy Code (Title 24 Part 6) Energy Efficiency Standards | CEC 2022 | Jan 1, 2023 | IECC 2021 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
California Electrical Code Building Requirements | CEC Part 3 2022 | Jan 1, 2023 | NEC 2021 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
California Energy Code Energy Efficiency Standards | CEC Part 6 2022 | Jan 1, 2023 | IECC 2021 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
California Electrical Code Building Requirements | CEC-E 2022 | Jan 1, 2023 | NEC 2021 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
California Residential Code Single-Family & Townhomes | CRC 2025 | Jan 1, 2026 | IRC 2024 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
International Building Code 2021 Commercial & Multi-Family | IBC 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | IBC 2021 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
International Energy Conservation Code (Residential) Single-Family & Townhomes | IECC-R Not Adopted Statewide | Jan 1, 2024 | IRC 2021 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
International Residential Code 2021 Single-Family & Townhomes | IRC 2021 | Jan 1, 2022 | IRC 2021 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
National Electrical Code 2020 (NFPA 70) Building Requirements | NEC 2020 | Jan 1, 2021 | NEC 2018 w/ amendments | Current | View Details |
California Building Code
Commercial & Multi-Family
CBC 2025Details
California Energy Code (Title 24 Part 6)
Energy Efficiency Standards
CEC 2022Details
California Electrical Code
Building Requirements
CEC Part 3 2022Details
California Energy Code
Energy Efficiency Standards
CEC Part 6 2022Details
California Electrical Code
Building Requirements
CEC-E 2022Details
California Residential Code
Single-Family & Townhomes
CRC 2025Details
International Building Code 2021
Commercial & Multi-Family
IBC 2021Details
International Energy Conservation Code (Residential)
Single-Family & Townhomes
IECC-R Not Adopted StatewideDetails
International Residential Code 2021
Single-Family & Townhomes
IRC 2021Details
National Electrical Code 2020 (NFPA 70)
Building Requirements
NEC 2020Details
Effective dates reflect when each code edition was formally adopted by the state. Dates may differ across code types when amendments are adopted in separate rulemaking cycles. Base codes reference the ICC model code edition that serves as the foundation for the state's adopted version. Verify current applicability with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Get a jurisdiction-specific code packet
Enter a California ZIP code for exact applicable codes, special zones, and a compliance checklist.
Special Zones
Special Zones
Seismic
San Andreas Fault Zone - Alquist-Priolo
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones along the San Andreas Fault system. Special studies required for development within 50 ft of active faults. Affects San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, LA, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial counties.
Requirements: Geologic fault investigation required within AP zone; No habitable structures across active fault traces; 50-ft setback from active faults (minimum); Site-specific seismic hazard analysis; SDC D standard throughout California; SDC E near faults
View sourceFlood & Coastal
California Coastal Zone
Properties within the Coastal Zone require California Coastal Commission permits in addition to local building permits
Requirements: Coastal Development Permit required from CCC; Height and bulk restrictions; View corridor protection; Shoreline erosion setback requirements
Wildfire
Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Zone
California WUI zones require Chapter 7A compliance for exterior materials, roofing, and vegetation management
Requirements: Class A roof assembly required; Ignition-resistant exterior materials per CBC Chapter 7A; Defensible space vegetation management (100 ft minimum); Ember-resistant vents required
Climate & Energy
Climate Zones
IECC Climate Zones in California
4BMixed-Humid
Zone 4B - Mixed Dry
dry
5BCool-Humid
Zone 5B - Cool Dry
dry
3CWarm-Humid
Zone 3C - Warm Marine
marine
6BCold
Zone 6B - Cold Dry
dry
2BHot-Humid
Zone 2B - Hot Dry
dry
4CMixed-Humid
Zone 4C - Mixed Marine
marine
3BWarm-Humid
Zone 3B - Warm Dry
dry
Energy Code Requirements
IECC 2021 - Residential Insulation Minimums
| Component | Zone 4B | Zone 5B | Zone 3C | Zone 6B | Zone 2B | Zone 4C | Zone 3B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ceiling Attic | 49.0 | 49.0 | 30.0 | 49.0 | 38.0 | 49.0 | 38.0 |
Wood Frame Wall | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 13.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 |
Mass Wall | 13.0 | 17.0 | 13.0 | 20.0 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 13.0 |
Floor | 19.0 | 30.0 | 19.0 | 30.0 | 13.0 | 30.0 | 19.0 |
Basement Wall | 10.0 | 15.0 | 5.0 | 15.0 | 0.0 | 10.0 | 5.0 |
Slab Perimeter | 10.0 | 10.0 | 0.0 | 10.0 | 0.0 | 10.0 | 0.0 |
Crawl Space Wall | 10.0 | 15.0 | 5.0 | 15.0 | 0.0 | 10.0 | 5.0 |
Window | 0.320 | 0.300 | 0.320 | 0.300 | 0.400 | 0.320 | 0.320 |
Skylight | 0.550 | 0.550 | 0.550 | 0.550 | 0.650 | 0.550 | 0.550 |
Door | 0.350 | 0.350 | 0.350 | 0.350 | 0.400 | 0.350 | 0.350 |
Legend:
Ceiling Attic
Wood Frame Wall
Mass Wall
Floor
Basement Wall
Slab Perimeter
Crawl Space Wall
Window
Skylight
Door
NR = Not Required
Fenestration Requirements
U-Factor (Max)
0.400
SHGC (Max)
0.25
Ice Barrier
Required
R-Value Requirements (Zone 2B - Most Common)
R-38.0
Ceiling
Attic/Roof
R-13.0
Walls
Wood Frame
R-13.0
Floor
Over Uncond.
R-0.0
Basement
Wall
R-0.0
Slab
Perimeter
NR
Crawlspace
Not Required
Counties
California Counties
58 jurisdictions with code information
Alameda County
FIPS: 06001
Standard
72 ZIP codesView
Alpine County
FIPS: 06003
Standard
3 ZIP codesView
Amador County
FIPS: 06005
Standard
13 ZIP codesView
Butte County
FIPS: 06007
Standard
24 ZIP codesView
Calaveras County
FIPS: 06009
Standard
20 ZIP codesView
Colusa County
FIPS: 06011
Standard
8 ZIP codesView
Contra Costa County
FIPS: 06013
Standard
53 ZIP codesView
Del Norte County
FIPS: 06015
Standard
6 ZIP codesView
El Dorado County
FIPS: 06017
Standard
30 ZIP codesView
Showing 9 of 58 jurisdictions.
Inspection Process
Inspection Process
Standard permit inspection sequence for California residential projects
1
Permit Application
Before any work begins. California contractor must hold active CSLB license. Owner-builder permits available but require special affidavit. In WUI fire zones (SRA/LRA VHFHSZ): additional fire-resistive construction documentation required per CBC Chapter 7A.
2-5 business days
2
Foundation Inspection
After excavation and before concrete pour. Verify rebar placement, anchor bolt locations, and hold-down hardware per seismic design. In Seismic Design Category D/E/F (most of CA): verify cripple wall bracing, foundation bolting per retrofit standards.
If applicable
3
Framing / Structural Inspection
After framing complete, before insulation or drywall. Verify shear wall nailing, hold-downs, tie-downs, and seismic straps. In WUI/VHFHSZ zones: verify exterior materials meet CBC 7A ignition resistance.
4
Roof Sheathing Nailing Inspection
After sheathing installed, before underlayment. Verify nail spacing (typically 6"/12" field/edge minimum, enhanced in high-wind zones). Check panel clips or blocking at unsupported edges.
Before roofing
5
Roofing Inspection
After roofing material installed. Verify cool roof compliance per Title 24 Part 6 (required in Climate Zones 10-15 for steep-slope, all zones for low-slope). In WUI/VHFHSZ: Class A fire-rated assembly required per CBC 7A.
6
Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing Rough
After rough-in complete, before insulation or drywall. HVAC: verify duct sealing per Title 24, HERS verification if required. Electrical: verify per CEC. Plumbing: verify per CPC.
Before drywall
7
Insulation Inspection
After insulation installed, before drywall. Verify R-values match Title 24 CF-1R prescriptive or performance path. Check vapor barrier where required. Verify no gaps, compression, or missing coverage.
Energy code compliance
Final Inspection
After all work complete. Verify all prior inspection corrections addressed. Smoke detectors hardwired with battery backup per CRC R314. CO detectors per R315. Final HERS documentation on file if required.
CO Issued
Important Notes
24-Hour Notice: Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance.
Permit Card: Must be posted and visible from street.
Re-Inspection Fees
- First re-inspection
- Often free
- Second re-inspection
- $50-100
- Additional re-inspections
- Varies
* Fees vary by jurisdiction
Contacts & Resources
California Building Standards Commission
State Building Code Authority
California Building Standards Commission (CBSC)
State Building Code Authority
California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD)
Sacramento
California Energy Commission (CEC)
State Building Code Authority
California State Fire Marshal (CAL FIRE/SFM)
State Building Code Authority
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
State Building Code Authority
Contractor Licensing
Contractor licensing in California is managed at the state level. Contact the state licensing board or visit your local building department for specific requirements and license verification.
Data last verified: February 2026 · Always verify requirements with the local building department.